P.PSH.1249 - Pardoo Beef Corporation Co innovation Program Phase 2
The research question was – can an underground water resource in the Pilbara of Western Australia be utilised for fodder production, supporting a rangeland Wagyu beef production system, sustainably and profitably?
Project start date: | 01 July 2020 |
Project end date: | 30 March 2024 |
Publication date: | 01 May 2024 |
Project status: | Completed |
Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
Relevant regions: | Northern Australia |
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Summary
This project sought to identify and address key production issues inherent in a northern Australian Wagyu beef production system incorporating pasture and crops from irrigated land. Robust data collected over three years, involving soils, pastures and crops, and cattle performance, enabled identification over time of improved practice in each area of management.
Objectives
Major areas of focus included:
• Production system design (irrigated fodder optimisation, northern Australian feedlot operations).
• Environmental sustainability (soil, water and nutrient balance).
• Develop an innovation skills and resources plan to build capability to effectively implement the innovation strategies.
• Develop initiatives to support the cultural change required to deliver against innovation strategies.
Key findings
Key results included confidence in the sustainability of the irrigated agricultural production and the suitability of the Wagyu cattle genetics within the system. Benefits to the program and the wider northern beef industry included detailed information on pasture and crop inputs, monthly pasture growth rates, and cattle performance both grazing and in feedlot conditions. The costs of pasture, crop and beef production were identified, and practice modified in response.
Benefits to industry
The project identified and addressed key production issues inherent in a northern Australian Wagyu beef production system incorporating pasture and crops from irrigated land. Robust data collected over three years, involving soils, pastures and crops, and cattle performance, enabled identification over time of improved practice in each area of management.
The results of this research are a resource for key components of the Pardoo Wagyu production program and will apply to the wider northern Australian beef industry where related conditions exist.
Future research
MLA will continue supporting leading Australian red meat value chains to fast-track their innovation strategies with a deliberate focus on partners who share MLA’s strategic innovation focus areas.
More information
Project manager: | Joshua Whelan |
Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
Primary researcher: | PARDOO BEEF CORPORATION PTY LTD |